City of Sonora Business License

A City Business License is required in order to conduct business within the City of Sonora.  Business Licenses are governed by Chapter 5 of the Sonora Municipal Code and Ordinance No. 654 and Encompassing Ordinances No. 658, 661, 662, 673, 681, 688, 696, and 700.  Applicants should review these documents prior to proceeding with their request for a City Business License. City of Sonora business licenses are not regulatory.

All City of Sonora Business License Applications must be submitted by mail or in person to the City of Sonora, Administration Department, located at 94 N. Washington Street, Sonora, CA  95370.  If you need any additional information, contact Tracy Skelly or Toni Arola at
(209) 532-4541.

Who is required to obtain a City of Sonora Business License?

*  Anyone Located and conducting business within the City Limits of Sonora. 
(See Map of City limits or Sonora Street Index)

*  Anyone Not located within the City limits of Sonora but conducting business within the City limits of Sonora.
(Example: Auto Parts Delivery/Distributors, Janitorial Services, Window Installers, etc.)

*  Anyone Conducting Business out of a Residence located within the City limits of Sonora.

*  Anyone Renting space from an existing Business Owner to conduct their business within the City Limits of Sonora.
(Example:  Hair Salons, Antique Vendors/Coin Dealers, Massage Therapists.)

*  Banks, Insurance Companies or Title Companies conducting business within the City Limits of  Sonora.

*  Coin Operated Vending Machine Companies conducting business within the City Limits of Sonora.

*  Portable Food Vendors, Taxi Cab Companies and Non-Profit Organizations must contact  Tracy Skelly or Toni Arola, City Administration, (209) 532-4541, to obtain paperwork due to special requirements or limited number of licenses issued in these categories.

*  Intermittent Vendors and Event Coordinators conducting business inside the City Limits of Sonora for ONE TO FOUR CONSECUTIVE DAYS.

*  Businesses involved in the making of motion pictures, television, and/or still photography for commercial purposes within the City Limits, upon City streets, or on property or in buildings owned by the City of Sonora or under the jurisdiction of the City of Sonora.  Review Chapter 5.15, Filming Permit and contact Tracy Skelly or Toni Arola, City Administration, (209) 532-4541 for information on obtaining a permit.

Business Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 am - 4 pm (excluding Holidays)

City of Sonora                
Tracy Skelly, Administration
Toni Arola, Administration
94 Washington Street
Sonora, CA, 95370
Phone: (209) 532-4541
Fax: (209) 532-2738